Achieving that seemingly effortless It-Girl style (think the Jeanne Damas, Alexa Chung, or Garance Doré look) relies on a few tried-and-true pieces: the perfect pair of vintage jeans, a worn-in leather jacket, a midi-skirt that you can dress up or down, and a certain style of shoe you might not immediately consider: the ballet flat.
Some claim the dancer-inspired kicks are making a comeback, while others argue they never even left. First designed by Rose Repetto (of now go-to shoe brand Repetto) in 1956 for Brigitte Bardot (who wanted "a pair of shoes as lightweight and flexible as true ballet slippers," the company's CEO, Jean-Marc Gaucher, tells Refinery29), the ballet flat has arguably become one of the most timeless fashion items to date — and one that channels the laid-back "French-girl style " so many of us love. "If you want to channel the style of some of the great beauties from the '50s and '60s, like Bardot or Audrey Hepburn, just wear ballet flats," he says.
Click through to shop the picks we're currently eyeing — whether your current offering needs a refresher or you're ready to reintroduce the style into your wardrobe, the 12 pairs of ballet flats ahead will fulfill all your requirements.
The most basic, versatile of shoes, a pair of black ballet flats will never do you wrong.
H&M Suede Ballet Flats, $34.99, available at H&M.
Patent leather was huge on the fall runways, and brightly colored flats are the perfect way to introduce the trend into your wardrobe without going overboard.
Marc Jacobs Lisa Mary Jane Patent Leather Ballet Flats, $325, available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
A toughened-up take on the dancer version.
Miu Miu Double Buckle Ankle-Tie Flats, $620, available at Miu Miu.
Get matchy-matchy with your favorite pair of jeans.
Repetto Cedrillon, $295, available at Zappos Luxury.
Embroidered floral can dress up even the most casual of looks.
Etro Lace-Up Embroidered Satin Ballet Flats, $1,120, available at Net-A-Porter.
Simple and to the point.
SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Gelsey Ballet Flats, $285, available at Bloomingdale's.
Astrology lovers, this one's for you.
Aquazzura x Poppy Delevingne Midnight Suede Ballet Flats, $599, available at MatchesFashion.
The cat's meow.
Charlotte Olympia Ballet Flats, $723 $542, available at Yoox.
Sick of black? Try red as a replacement neutral.
A.P.C. Porselli Ballet Flats, $220, available at A.P.C.
For added impact, try a pearled ankle strap.
Chloé Faux Pearl-Embellished Suede Ballet Flats, $750, available at Net-A-Porter.
There's a lot happening here (snakeskin, contrasting leather, a lace-up detail), and we couldn't love it more.
Marni Lace-Up Leather-Trimmed Python Ballet Flats, $1,020, available at Net-A-Porter.
A pair that really makes you feel like a ballerina.
& Other Stories Leather Ballerinas, $85, available at & Other Stories.
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